KATE , DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE has been an official member of the Royal Family since 2011 when she married Prince William, and got to know Prince Charles while taking part in Prince William's favourite pastime.

Kate, Duchess of Cambridge married Prince William in April 2011 but the pair have been together since their time at the University of St Andrews. The couple announced their engagement in 2010, and before that Kate had spent time a lot of time getting to know the Royal Family. One particular trip to Balmoral in 2007 saw Kate bond with Prince Charles, as she took part in one of William’s favourite pastimes.

Related articles

Kate Middleton news: One hunt took place at the Queen's Scottish residence, Balmoral Castle (Image: GETTY)

And royal author Robert Jobson claimed the royal Highland retreat proved of great significance for the royal.

He wrote: “William’s grandmother showed her conviction in the significance of Kate to her grandson when she ensured that the young couple would have a secure and romantic bolthole on the Balmoral estate.”

While Princess Diana was known to hate the royal estate, Princes Charles was enamoured with the stunning landscape - and his bond with Kate grew when he saw how she felt the same.

He added: “Perhaps part of Charles’ affection for Kate stemmed from his recognition that in her William had found somebody who could happily share the remote Aberdeenshire landscapes that he loved, somebody who would walk by his side as far as he wanted and curl up in front of a roaring fire at the end of the day.”